MyDogBreeds
Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain but Blue Picardy Spaniel is originated from France. Galgo Espanol may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Blue Picardy Spaniel. Galgo Espanol may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Blue Picardy Spaniel. Both Galgo Espanol and Blue Picardy Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Galgo Espanol and Blue Picardy Spaniel has same litter size. Galgo Espanol requires Low maintenance. But Blue Picardy Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance
Galgo Espanol means Spanish with galgo meaning greyhound, thus a Spanish Greyhound. This breed is ancient with their roots in perhaps the English greyhound and others in the sighthound family. They are much like the greyhound in that they are laid back, calm, gentle and quiet, unless they are competing on the local track. Like the greyhound they are shy and reserved; great with kids and other pets. And of course, they love cats.
There are dogs like the Galgo referred to in writing by the ancient Celts and Romans. One author, Arrian, had his own Galgos and used them when hunting. The breed flourished in the second half of the Middle Ages in Spain and well into the 8th century. When the Christians regained control of the Iberian Peninsula, they did away with the hunter old forms of hunting and introduced a new form with hounds that made the Galgo the pride of the aristocracy and not in the homes of the ordinary people. Arrian claim to two types of dogs, the smooth and rough coated.
Muslim and Chrisitan Kings kept Galgo Espanols. In all probability the Saluke and Galgo were crossbred at this time. It was illegal to kill a Galgo and in 1081, the Mayor of Cartuario of Slonza left his Galgo in his will to Diego Citid. Dogs seen in painting from the 12th century look just like dogs of this breed who can be seen today.
It is believed that when the Galgo was developed, it was in the midsection of Spain or the Castillian plains. They ruled the interior of the country while the bloodhound ruled the exterior. The 18th and 19th centuries saw very little change in the breed. However, in the 20th century, there was cross breeding with the English greyhound that produced a leaner, faster and powerful track racing dog. The results was a faster dog without the long distance stamina of the pure Galgo. For this reason, the breeders returned to breeding the pure professional racing dog.
The sport of racing the Galgo earns Spain around sixty million dollars per year. They train anywhere from three to four thousand of the Galgos every year for Open Field Coursing Championships. Still, there no longer is any cross breeding between the Greyhound and the Galgo. The current coursing programs feature a hare that is much hardier and difficult to pursue so the stamina of the old Galgo Espanol is desired. In Castile, where these games are played, the landscape is open with large fields that requires that the hare travels far greater distances. This means that the stamina of the original Galgo Espanol is needed.
When not racing the Galgos have become great house pets. They have a reputation as gentle dogs that are docile and quiet, with good health. This reputation is well earned. They are also successful show dogs in Europe much more than the states. This is perhaps because they are really rare outside of Spain. They are not recognized by the United Kennel Club nor the American Kennel Club.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a direct descendent of the French spaniel. It was in the 14th century that recorded descriptions of the French ‘setting dogs’ emerged but it is believed that the spaniel originated before that.
The spaniels separated into different regional types where size and colour varied according to the region they were in. It was developed in the northern part of France and bred with Gordon- and English Setters, resulting in a Belton blue color, which is a type of blue ticking coloration. The dog was recognized as a separate breed in France in 1938.
Obviously the Galgos looks a lot like the Greyhound, but in some very important ways they are very different. The rear of the Galgos is higher than the front and their muscle are flatter. They are built for endurance while the Greyhound is built for speed. The Galgos is a lighter, smaller dog with larger ear on a long head. They have long tails and their chests are not deep like the Greyhounds.
The Galgo comes in smooth and rough coats and a variety of colors. The rough coat protects dogs that are in climates colder than the ones in Spain and also keeps them from injuring their skin while running. The colors include brindle, black, golden, toasted, cinnamon, yellow, red, white, white with patches, or any color as long as they have a white forehead and muzzle.
The medium-sized, well muscled Blue Picardy Spaniel has such an amicable expression on his face with such gentle brown eyes that it is difficult to think of him as a gun dog. He is often described as a quiet dog, but lots of fun. He has long legs and stands about 56–61 cm high at the withers, weighing about 19–20 kg. His speckled grey-blue coat with black patches is medium length and wavy and you’ll find typical Setter feathering on the legs, the tail and underside. The medium-length, drooping ears are also covered in silky, feathery hair, a blue/grey coat with black patches and has long feathering on the belly, legs, ears and tail. When the puppies are born they’re white with black patches, but this changes as they mature.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a loyal and devoted companion, who just loves to spend time with his human family. He loves to work hard and play hard and he makes a splendid family pet. He’ll also get along well with other pets. Treat him with love and care and you’ll find that the Blue Picardy Spaniel is an even-tempered pet who wants to please. Being alert, he will bark to warn you of strangers.
They are good with children, but you need to be careful no one gets knocked down or hurt.
Stamina for running and a good record in lure coursing.
Though they can be couch potatoes like greyhounds they are better off with a fenced yard and not an apartment.
They are smart and can learn anything you want to teach them if you can keep their attention.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a gentle, intelligent breed and he responds well to training. He is such an easy going dog who wants to please his owners. They also do well with children and other pets, making him a wonderful family pet.
This excellent sporting dog bred in the Picardy region of France is sociable and amicable, a sought after companion animal in France. He is highly trainable breed and his wonderful nature makes him a wonderful choice for first-time dog owners. He is a gentle all-rounder who loves to be with family, making him an exceptional friend.
Being a large dog, the Galgo Espanol would normally face a high probability of hip dysplasia. Fortunately for the breed this is not true. In this respect their lightness of weight, their history as a working dog and their anatomy have protected them from it. They are however susceptible to other issues.
Malignant tumors that quickly spread throughout the body. Life threatening.
As a sighthound, the Galgo Espanol is prone to have issues anytime with anesthetics. They don’t metabolize the anesthetics like other dogs do. They will take longer to revive, and they are susceptible to hypothermia while under an aesthetic.
While running, they are prone to injuries
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is considered a healthy breed and there are no known genetic health issues. He is a rare dog breed and not excessively bred, meaning they aren’t prone to genetic health problems. When he is loved and well looked after, he can reach 14 years of age and beyond.
You won’t find more health issues with this breed than with other gun dogs. Always be looking out for hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint. The socket of the hip is too shallow, resulting in damage to the joints of the dog, more so as it ages. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include stiffness and trouble with getting up after lying down.
Feed your puppy a high quality dry food made for large breed dogs. Feed 3 meals a day 2.5 to 3 cups total for the day.
Feed your adult Galgo a high quality dry food made for large breed dogs. Feed 2 meals a day but don’t overfeed Give 4-5 cups total for the day.
They have amazing stamina and good speed. Generally good health as a breed.
He can be a couch potato indoors and runs forever outdoors. He does need daily exercise and bedrest both. The best would be if you could sprint him every day or have a small yard he can play in. They excel of course at agility and lure coursing. Keep them on a leash because if they run you will never catch them. The American Sighthound Field Association presents lure coursing events that they are eligible for. They have exceled at show competition in Europe but are not well known in the U.S.
The Blue Picardy is an energetic gun dog and he will certainly require a good deal of exercise. If he isn’t running around on a farm you will need to take him for walks regularly or let him off the leash in the park. He is always ready for ball games and just loves to play. It’s why he gets on well with children too- he loves the fun and games he gets.
He’ll need a high quality dog food that has been specially formulated for high energy dogs. Always follow the directions on the packaging. Home made food with meat, rice and vegetables is always a welcome change and remember to ensure he gets some raw meat into his diet too. Never deprive him of fresh, cool water. This should be readily available to him 24/7.
The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a moderate shedder with a couple of heavier shedding periods during the year. His grooming requirements are pretty moderate too and he will require a good brush twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs.
Other basic care for your beautiful pet includes clipping his nails, brushing his teeth 2 or 3 times a week, making use of a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste. His ears should certainly be checked for infection.